DAY 114 of 2014: Editing Nightmare

Thursday, April 24, 2014

If you ever have photos taken by a professional photographer, and wonder why do they charge so much, I will give you some insight. First of all, a digital camera has a "life", only so many "actuations" until it dies. My camera was used, and cost me $1800. I am getting close to needing a new one, I want to get a "new" new one, but it will cost over $3000. That is the camera. Then there are lenses. Good lenses are expensive; the two lenses I have cost between $400-$800 each. And a flash, which costs about $500 (and up). Tripods. Strobe lights. Props. All are a big business for some people and cost money. And everything has a life span and will eventually need to be replaced. The photographer has to pay for a LLC (if she is smart) and tries to take classes to better themselves. And pays taxes for their business. Then the photo shoot. If they have a studio, they have to pay rent (and utilities just like your house). If they don't they have to pack up all of their props, pray it doesn't rain, and have either an outdoor session, or like I do, indoor with a newborn that can take HOURS. And travel to and from the photo shoot, and you know the price of gas. After the time spent at a photo shoot, she then needs to download all of the photos and critique each one individually. Almost always there is some editing time involved. Sometimes, there is a lot of editing time involved.
Which brings me to my point. I love my church, I was happy to be able to serve them by taking family photos at Easter. But we held our service outside at the high school's stadium. It was bright, mid-day, no shade. The other photographer didn't show up. Every one was squinting, kids were crying because it was too bright. To say the least it was a challenge. At least I though about bringing some fence panels as a backdrop. But they weren't tall enough, even with the people sitting down. Nor wide enough. So not only do I have far from perfect photos of my families, I also have cars, light poles, transformers, the stadium field house, portapotties and other people in every one of my shots. My editing skills are far from ideal.
I'm trying to take out the ugliest things and hope they like their shots. I am not getting paid for it (at least not in money) and they were free photos for them. I just hope they don't judge my photographic abilities on what they receive from that photo shoot. While they aren't horrible, they do not meet my standards. I have decided to leave it in God's hands. He gave me this challenging opportunity, and I am going to just do the best I can and go with the flow. And trust Him.

Don't judge yourself to harshly. I'm sure that most of the families will just be glad to have a family photo as we don't get out to do that very often and it is nice to get one. Most people will probably be very thankful. Hopefully, you will even get some clients out of it.

You tried to do something wonderful for everyone at church and I am sure they will appreciate the thought and effort that you so carefully and lovingly put into the photos. I also think they will be happy to have any photo of themselves at church and will not be nearly as critical of them as you (the professional). I treasure the odd snapshots of my family from church suppers and youth groups, etc. They are such good memories.

I love taking photographs of flowers, wildlife, and landscapes. I have taken some classes. I do not (really do NOT) have the temperament to do people. (I do photo-journalistic of family events my myself) My niece does the family/ newborn professional photography. My hat is off to you. People are the hardest. I would much rather stalk birds, bees and butterflies. Crawl on the ground to get mushrooms and different angles on flowers.I hope you receive wonderful thank yous and complements on you photos.